Can HIV Be Found in a Normal Blood Test?

Most blood tests only screen for one or a very limited number of factors. A blood test not specifically intended to screen for HIV cannot be used to find or diagnose infection with the virus.

Types

• HIV testing done on a sample of blood is the most common method of testing. HIV tests can also be performed on oral fluid and urine (although urine tests are less accurate than other tests).

Identification

• People who believe they may have contracted HIV should seek HIV testing. The Harm Reduction Coalition helps people locate nearby HIV testing locations (see Resources below).

Features

• HIV testing is non-invasive, painless (although discomfort may result from the use of a needle), safe, and accurate. It is the only way to diagnose HIV infection.

Considerations

• HIV tests screen for antibodies to the virus. Developing a detectable level of antibodies is called seroconversion and generally takes about a month after infection. However, the process may take between three and six months, and a test will only yield a true positive if the tested individual has already seroconverted.

Results

• Results of an HIV test may take several days. Individuals being tested should ask at the time of testing what they need to do in order to obtain the results of their test.